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People's Bank of China

China–UAE News
Source: Small Wars Journal

Saudi Central Bank Concludes mBridge Role Amid China Cross-Border Payment Initiative

Saudi Arabia announced on September 19, 2026, that it had completed its participation in the China-led mBridge CBDC initiative over a year prior. The Saudi Central Bank stated its involvement was limited to the proof-of-concept phase finished in May 2025. An analysis by Small Wars Journal noted that technical participation in emerging payment systems does not ensure long-term geopolitical alignment.

China–UAE News
Source: www.wam.ae

UAE Showcases Financial Partnerships and Meets Central Bank of China in Bangkok

The UAE participated in the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Central Bank of the UAE held bilateral meetings with the People's Bank of China and other central banks to discuss payment systems, innovation, and sustainable finance. In addition, the UAE signed an agreement to host the 2029 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Arabian Gulf Business Insight

Saudi Central Bank Concludes Participation in Cross-Border mBridge Digital Currency Platform

The Saudi Central Bank has concluded its formal participation in Project mBridge following the completion of a proof-of-concept phase in May 2025. The cross-border digital currency initiative was developed jointly with China and the UAE to facilitate non-dollar trade settlements. Operations continue among the remaining participants, including the central banks of the UAE, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

China–UAE News
Source: Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

Questions Mount Over Saudi Arabia’s Withdrawal From China-Led mBridge Payment Project

The Saudi Central Bank has ended its formal participation in Project mBridge, the multilateral central bank digital currency platform developed with China and the UAE. While the central bank stated that its exit was planned following a completed proof-of-concept phase in May 2025, the disclosure has prompted debate over geopolitical pressures and non-dollar settlement systems. The platform continues operations among remaining central banks, including China, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

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